The Perfect Roast Beef Reuben Recipe: Classic Flavor, Modern Twist

Crafting a mouth-watering roast beef reuben sandwich can transport you to deli heaven in mere minutes.

Layers of tender meat and melted cheese create a symphony of flavors.

Crisp rye bread cradles savory ingredients that dance together perfectly.

Tangy sauerkraut adds a zesty punch to this classic combo.

Swiss cheese melts into rich, warm slices of roast beef with irresistible charm.

Hearty and satisfying, this recipe promises a delightful culinary adventure.

Roast Beef Reuben: Why It’s Legendary

• Satisfy Sandwich Cravings: This Roast Beef Reuben delivers classic deli flavors with a homemade twist, perfect for lunch or quick dinner.
• Master Easy Cooking Technique: Grilling between skillets transforms simple ingredients into a crispy, melty masterpiece that anyone can handle.
• Customize with Confidence: Swap ingredients like pastrami for roast beef or adjust dressing amounts to match personal taste preferences without complicated steps.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Combines familiar ingredients everyone loves, making it an instant hit for family meals or casual gatherings with friends.

What Goes Into A Roast Beef Reuben

• Roast Beef: Tender, thinly sliced meat that forms the protein base of the sandwich.
• Rye Bread: A hearty, flavorful bread with a distinctive taste that complements the sandwich's rich ingredients.
• Swiss Cheese: Mild, melty cheese that adds a creamy texture and subtle nutty flavor.

• Sauerkraut, Thousand Island Dressing: Tangy condiments that provide a zesty and creamy contrast to the rich beef and cheese.

• Butter: Helps create a golden, crispy exterior when grilling the sandwich.

How To Make A Roast Beef Reuben Easily

Step 1: Fire Up the Cooking Surface

Activate your skillet or griddle, setting the heat to a steady medium temperature.

The goal is creating a perfect golden-brown exterior for your sandwich.

Step 2: Butter the Bread Strategically

Take your rye bread slices and generously spread softened butter across one side of each piece.

This ensures a crispy, rich exterior when grilled.

Step 3: Create Flavor Layers

• Tender roast beef slices
• Tangy sauerkraut
• Melty Swiss cheese
• Creamy Thousand Island dressing

Step 4: Complete the Sandwich Assembly

Crown each layered slice with another bread piece, positioning the buttered side facing outward.

This creates a sealed package of deliciousness.

Step 5: Grill to Perfection

Carefully place sandwiches onto the heated surface.

Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, watching for a stunning golden-brown color and ensuring the cheese melts completely.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove sandwiches from heat, slice diagonally, and plate immediately while warm and crispy.

Your Roast Beef Reuben is ready to delight taste buds.

Chef Tips For Roast Beef Reuben Perfection

• Use room temperature butter for even, smooth spreading that prevents bread tearing.
• Let Swiss cheese sit at room temperature before assembling to ensure quicker, more uniform melting.
• Gently press sandwiches with a spatula while grilling to create a crispy, golden exterior and help cheese melt faster.
• Drizzle Thousand Island dressing sparingly to prevent soggy bread and maintain sandwich structure.
• Keep skillet at medium heat to achieve golden-brown bread without burning or undercooking the sandwich.

Roast Beef Reuben – Variations Worth Trying

• Vegetarian Reuben: Replace roast beef with grilled portobello mushrooms, maintaining the same layering technique for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread instead of rye, ensuring all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Wrap: Swap bread for large lettuce leaves or low-carb tortillas, keeping the classic Reuben flavor profile while reducing carbohydrate intake.
• Turkey Reuben: Substitute roast beef with lean sliced turkey breast for a lighter protein alternative with similar sandwich structure.

Serving Up Roast Beef Reuben Right

• Deli Platter Pairing: Complement the Reuben sandwiches with crisp dill pickles, tangy coleslaw, and a handful of classic potato chips for a complete deli-style meal experience.
• Appetizer Twist: Cut sandwiches into smaller triangles or quarters to serve as delightful party appetizers that will wow guests at gatherings or game day events.
• Soup Companion: Serve alongside a steaming bowl of hearty tomato soup or classic beef barley soup to create a warm, comforting lunch that satisfies deep hunger.
• Wine and Dine: Pair with a cold German-style lager or a crisp amber ale to enhance the rich flavors of the roast beef and complement the tangy sauerkraut.

Save Roast Beef Reuben Leftovers With Ease

• Store leftover sandwiches in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days, keeping them separated by parchment paper to prevent sogginess.
• Warm sandwiches on a medium-low skillet for 2-3 minutes per side, ensuring crispy bread and melted cheese without burning.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, wrap sandwiches in aluminum foil, and heat for 10-12 minutes until warmed through and cheese melts.
• Skip microwave reheating as it makes bread soggy and ruins the sandwich's crispy texture.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients in a Roast Beef Reuben?

The key ingredients are roast beef, rye bread, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, Thousand Island dressing, and butter.

• Is Thousand Island dressing necessary for this recipe?

Yes, Thousand Island dressing is a crucial component that adds tangy flavor and moisture to the sandwich.

• Can I use a different type of bread?

While rye bread is traditional, you can substitute with sourdough or a hearty white bread if desired.

• Do I need a special type of skillet for grilling these sandwiches?

A standard non-stick skillet or griddle works perfectly fine for making Roast Beef Reuben sandwiches.

Roast Beef Reuben Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Roast Beef Reuben sandwiches blend classic deli flavors with homemade comfort, offering a delicious twist on traditional combinations. Melted swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut, and rich thousand island dressing make this recipe a mouthwatering choice you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound thinly sliced roast beef
• 8 slices Swiss cheese

Bread and Base:

• 8 slices rye bread
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened

Condiments and Extras:

• 1/2 cup Thousand Island dressing
• 1 cup sauerkraut, drained

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Instructions

1. Heat a skillet or griddle to medium temperature, ensuring an even cooking surface for the sandwiches.
2. Generously coat one side of each rye bread slice with softened butter for a crispy, golden exterior.
3. Arrange roast beef slices evenly across the unbuttered side of 4 bread pieces, creating a substantial protein base.
4. Layer sauerkraut over the roast beef, distributing it uniformly to provide a tangy, textural component.
5. Carefully place Swiss cheese atop the sauerkraut, allowing it to melt and bind the sandwich ingredients.
6. Drizzle Thousand Island dressing across the cheese, adding a creamy and zesty flavor profile.
7. Crown each sandwich with the remaining bread slices, positioning the buttered side facing outward.
8. Grill the sandwiches for 3-4 minutes on each side, watching carefully until the bread turns a rich golden brown and the cheese melts completely.
9. Remove from heat, let rest momentarily, then slice diagonally to create an appealing presentation.
10. Serve immediately while the sandwich remains hot and the cheese is gloriously melted.

Notes

• Customize the roast beef thickness for a more tender or hearty sandwich experience.
• Select high-quality deli roast beef for maximum flavor and texture.
• Drain sauerkraut thoroughly to prevent soggy sandwich bottoms.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like Gruyère or sharp cheddar for unique taste profiles.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 520 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 1200 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg